Fins Up Newsletter
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology - 12.5.2025
December 5, 2025
Happy Friday, Shark Families!
We had a wonderful week back from Thanksgiving, and I had such a special day today. Thank you all for making it extra meaningful! The honking was hilarious, and I loved seeing the kids’ faces light up as they got out of their cars!
We’re heading into another full week of December, and I truly love this time of year! The joy and excitement from our students is contagious!
Exciting news: our sun shade has officially arrived! Thank you to our amazing PTO and everyone who helped with the fundraising! It should be installed and ready to enjoy during recess next week. This will make such a difference as we prepare for those sunny spring days.
Thank you all for your continued hard work and dedication. Have a fantastic weekend!
Committed to Success,
Heather Touchberry
SDPC Leadership Strategic Planning
Thank you to our community partners and Dr. Hall for attending today’s District Leadership Strategic Planning for the Easley area. It truly takes a village, and our school is proud to be part of it!
Special Birthday
Experiential 4K New Unit
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new theme: Greenhouse & Gardens!
MAST Happenings
Community Happenings
Easley Basketball Gear
Support Easley High School by purchasing gear and wearing it to the games!
Easley High School Basketball 2025 | Team Sports Outfitters | powered by OrderMyGear
Volunteer Training - New Procedures for 2025-2026
We have some exciting news that may help our busy families with meeting our volunteer requirements. We are now offering a VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER TRAINING! Follow the steps in the attached file to be cleared to chaperone for field trips and other school events. Please note that MAST requires that all volunteers have a current background check through our Raptor system (information about how to order is in the attached document). Background checks are good for 3 calendar years. If you have any questions, please contact me at whitneymoore@pickens.k12.sc.us. We look forward to working with you this year!
Also, let me know if you would like to be added to PTO's email distribution list for opportunities to help volunteer through their events and activities this year.
STEM Corner
Mae Carol Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first African-American woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
Title I Corner
We are excited to welcome you to our annual Literacy Holiday Spectacular on December 11, sponsored by Title I!
Families with students in K4–2nd grade and 3rd–5th grade will each have a variety of fun, interactive stations to explore. We’ll be sharing stories from different holidays and offering hands-on activities that connect to each book.
Dinner will be provided, and we want to make sure we have enough materials and food for everyone—please RSVP by December 5. We can’t wait to celebrate with all of our wonderful families!
MAST Fundraisers
SHARK Spirit Rock
The Spirit Rock is available for families to rent, offering a special way to celebrate your student! Check out the guidelines and sign-up link below. All proceeds will go toward funding our field trips this year!
Please be sure to pay AND sign up on SignUp Genius.https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vBLqddeF8_VIOX9hdDiv9yMhXzOjgDY4qjpdcpUdO84/edit?usp=sharing
Box Tops for Education
Did you know you can earn money for our school just by submitting your grocery receipts? The Box Tops for Education Program has never been easier. Follow the steps below to download the app. You can upload paper or digital receipts OR connect your Walmart account and it will automatically connect each time you make a purchase.
Don't want to download the app? No problem. Send in your grocery receipts with your student and we will upload it for you.
Share the referral code with all of your friends and family to maximize our earnings!
https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=HZ5F0LUF&school_id=59989
And....National Box Tops Week is October 13-19. All that week, we can earn double Box Tops on all participating products and earn 20 Bonus Box Tops when you buy 4 participating products. Refer a Friend Bonus also runs the month of October with our referral code.
MAST Calendar of Events
12/8 Real Men Read
12/9 Santa Pictures Fundraiser
12/11 Title 1 Event - Literacy Holiday Spectacular 6:00 7:30
12/12 Shark of the Month 8:00 AM
12/12 Wear PJs for $1
12/15-18 PTO Fundraiser: Santa Shop
12/16 Pup Tales
12/18 5th grade-GMS Band 2:00-2:30
12/18 Holiday Concert (3-5 grades); YAMS Opening
12/19 Half day
12/22-1/2 Winter Break
McKissick Academy of Science and Technology
Email: heathertouchberry@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: https://mast.pickens.k12.sc.us/
Location: 156 McKissick Road, Easley, SC, USA
Phone: 864.397.2200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MASTFINSUP
Twitter: @mastfinsup